Garden Photo of the Day

Birdhouses are a pop of color in borders

comments (12) August 11th, 2010 in blogs

Michelle Gervais, Senior Editor

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Photo: Michelle Gervais

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Colorful birdhouses are striking focal points in addition to homes for the local birds in this mixed border at the Mary Livingston Ripley Garden of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.

Welcome to the Fine Gardening GARDEN PHOTO OF THE DAY blog! Every weekday we post a new photo of a great garden, a spectacular plant, a stunning plant combination, or any number of other subjects. Think of it as your morning jolt of green.

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posted in: ornaments, wildlife

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Comments (12)

grizmom3 writes: The Salmonberry-Family:Rosacea; Genus: Rubus. If your shrub blooms pink is is spectabilis. I know this to be a shrub growing in the Pacific NW in moist areas. Since I do not know your specific location I cannot tell you what species of birds may be attracted. I am an avid bird watcher and have traveled most of the country (mostly the Western States and Canada) viewing these wonderful flying marvels. I do know for most birds the seeds are the attraction and I am sure you know the berries are yummy. Also, some species of birds attracted can be quite raucous and for some people an annoyance.

I know I commented previously on your birdhouses. If I came off as being rude it sure was not meant that way. We are all different and this is what makes the world interesting.

The best to you

Posted: 12:05 pm on August 13th

janetdraper writes: delighted to see The Ripley Garden make it into Fine Gardening! I have had the pleasure of playing in this garden for over a decade.

Kari Lonning is correct, the birdhouses are the beautiful work of Ann and Doug at The Garden Path. I put them up about 4 or 5 years ago to add some vertical accents and to tie the garden into the adjacent Arts and Industries Museum which is highly ornate. So far I have never seen tenants.

The 'shrub' to the right of the orange birdhouse is a Hibiscus...grew from seed incorrectly labeled as mutabilis. It self sowns vigorously. Posted: 7:25 am on August 12th

margotnavarre writes: The colors stand out. The bush is salmon berry? What type of birds nest in them? Posted: 12:13 pm on August 11th

wittyone writes: What is that tall bush behind the birdhouse in the topmost picture? Does anyone know?

I really like bright colorful accents and these compliment the flowers just beautifully. Posted: 12:07 pm on August 11th

ImBetony writes: I love the look of these birdhouses--wonder about the paint, though. Sooner or later our birdhouses always seem to get gnawed about the entrance. I'm thinking that area would be best left unpainted. Posted: 12:01 pm on August 11th

KariLonning writes: I'm pretty sure that the artists who made these were Anne Rugg and Doug Ostrander. Doug is/was a fine jeweler who switched over to making these.

http://www.bissonbarcelona.com/PDFs/FortheBirds%20Jan07.pdf Posted: 11:45 am on August 11th

MzMary writes: These are wonderful! The colors are lovely and complement the foliage beautifully. Just splendid! Posted: 11:30 am on August 11th

Cinf writes: Well, I for one, love these colors. They stand out but aren't gaudy or childlike and I think the post add a soft, more formal edge than what I normally see in birdhouses. Posted: 11:25 am on August 11th

wwross writes:
Yes, color combinations can be subjective. But the idea is great. Posted: 9:47 am on August 11th

grizmom3 writes: Yes it adds a "pop" of color. Too gaudy for my tastes. Too much of a naturalist, I suppose. Guess positive comments are preferred and maybe even required, but this project does not impress this gardener. Sorry. Too each his/her own. Posted: 9:36 am on August 11th

wGardens writes: ....THREE thumbs up! Great! Posted: 7:23 am on August 11th

Deanneart writes: Nice! Posted: 6:55 am on August 11th

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Welcome to the Fine Gardening GARDEN PHOTO OF THE DAY blog!

Every weekday we post a new photo of a great garden, a spectacular plant, a stunning plant combination, or any number of other subjects. Think of it as your morning jolt of green.

Sign up to get new posts delivered to your inbox each morning so you'll always remember to take a look, or subscribe to our RSS feed. We look forward to sharing our garden travels with you.

If you think you have a photo that we should share on the Garden Photo of the day, email us. Send hi-res images to mgervais@taunton.com with GPOD in the subject line. We'll only respond if we plan to use your photo.